Jonesboro, Arkansas – Somewhere out there, someone may be holding a small slip of paper worth a life-changing $80,000—and they don’t even know it yet.
A winning ticket for the April 13 Natural State Jackpot (NSJ) drawing, sold at the Murphy USA gas station located at 1601 Stadium Blvd. in Jonesboro, has yet to be claimed. The ticket matched all five winning numbers: 5, 12, 21, 27, and 33, securing the top prize in the popular Arkansas lottery game. Despite the sizable amount, the ticket still sits unclaimed as the days continue to pass.
According to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL), the ticket holder has 180 days from the date of the draw to come forward and claim their prize. After that, the ticket—and the money—will expire.
It’s a scenario the ASL sees from time to time, where winners unknowingly miss out on big money because they forget to check their tickets, lose them, or are unaware they’ve even won.
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“Every now and then, a winning ticket just sits unclaimed,” lottery officials said. “It’s important for players to check their numbers regularly and keep their tickets in a safe place.”
Meanwhile, another Arkansas player recently claimed a sizable win from a different game. Bob Sharp of Centerville became $50,000 richer after buying a ticket for the $50,000 Frenzy instant game—a $20 scratch-off ticket. He picked up the ticket from Centerville Country Store on Highway 154 and scratched it right there in the store.
“I was in shock when the store clerk scanned the ticket,” Sharp said. “I told my wife, my boss, and everyone in the store!”
Inspired by a friend who had recently won the same amount on the same game, Sharp decided to take his own chance—and it paid off. He claimed his winnings on April 14 at the ASL Claim Center and said he’s now looking forward to a more secure financial future.
Though Sharp’s story had a happy ending, the mystery winner in Jonesboro has yet to emerge. The clock is ticking, and lottery officials are urging everyone who purchased a NSJ ticket for the April 13 drawing to check their pockets, purses, and glove compartments.
It’s possible that someone could be walking around completely unaware of the fortune they’re carrying.
For now, the $80,000 remains in limbo. But if you bought a ticket at Murphy USA in Jonesboro recently, it might be time to take a second look—you could be Arkansas’ next big winner.
